Casey Stoney needs her team whenever they take on Manchester City at the very first derby in women’s soccer, to perform without anxiety.
Stoney’s negative have been handed a short but daunting visit to City after going up last year as they start their FA Women’s Super League campaign.
The City of nick Cushing are the overwhelming favourites to emerge based on Stoney, who expects Manchester United and liberty will take off the shackles and perform.
“There will be some nerves, it’s natural,” she told Sky Sports News.
“It is an opening game of their WSL, they would like to work, they would like to do well, we would like to do well as a golf team.
“However, I find it as an opportunity to express themselves, go out onto the grass, also make mistakes because that’s the way you learn.
“Obviously they do not need to make mistakes about the greatest stage but we want to encourage them to go out there and have no anxiety and have a go.
“We won’t be expected to win this particular game, we shouldn’t be expected to win this match. We’ve only been promoted, Manchester City are a wonderful team, they’ve been winning decorations for the previous four decades.
“The expectation and pressure ought to be on the opposition on Saturday.”
Using Tottenham’s visit to Chelsea a day also being played in the home arena of their men’s team, this weekend’s Manchester derby takes place in the Etihad Stadium.
City and England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley misses the game due to her recovery from a hamstring injury but acknowledges the derby promises for a distinctive event.
She explained:”It’s a wonderful opportunity and a chance to have this opportunity and both clubs will need to take that chance by the scruff of the neck and reveal individuals in England and across the globe how much the women’s sport has come also how much it could go.
“It’d be great to fill it but I want people to develop an experience they love [where they think] they play very good soccer, very entertaining, it’s an environment that is great to be part of.
“There is a social element to it. We are inclusive, not hoping to turn off, so if a attendance record can break I would be so proud. It is going to be a yummy fixture and I am really excited about watching it.”
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